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Special Care Worker

State/Territory Specific Information

Special care workers provide care, supervision and support for children, the disabled and aged people in residential establishments and in their own homes.

Special care workers may perform the following tasks:

  • assist people with their self-medication
  • plan and implement programs of supervision and care for those in residential care
  • provide support at home with health issues and daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, transport and budgeting
  • supervise and arrange activities to enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of those in residential care
  • make sure that those in residential care are washed, dressed, fed and ready for educational and recreational activities
  • supervise those in residential care during domestic activities such as eating meals and showering
  • provide companionship and support during daily activities for those who are sick or aged
  • cook and serve meals, clean premises, wash, iron and perform other household tasks
  • organise refuge accommodation
  • implement appropriate strategies for managing problems related to dementia.

Specialisations:

Attendant Care Worker

An attendant care worker concentrates on providing personal care assistance to disabled people in the home or workplace. These duties may include bathing, lifting, moving, dressing, grooming, exercising or feeding people with disabilities.

Family Care Worker

A family care worker provides practical care to family members when the main caregiver is unable to continue in the role without assistance.

Home Care Worker

A home care worker provides at-home assistance and care for people unable to care for themselves and/or their families because of sickness, disability or old age.

Mother's Helper

A mother's helper assists new mothers with the additional work involved with the arrival of a new baby. They also care for other children, clean and cook meals.

Special care workers work in private homes and community establishments. They may be required to work evenings, weekends and public holidays and may be required to live-in.

Personal Requirements:

  • patience, flexibility and understanding
  • supportive and caring nature
  • able to accept responsibility
  • good communication skills
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to cope with the physical demands of the job
  • able to perform domestic duties efficiently.

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